MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 May 1927, Page 2

MOTUEKA

R.S.A. BALI

On Fridav evening the Motuokn branch of the R.S.A. bold their annual ball—a very successful one—in the ilist it ut b. A gav crowd of dancers filled the hall, which was artistically decorated with flags,, kindly lent bv the Motueka Harbour Board for the occasion, On the stage were numerous comfortable chairs with a background of autumn leaves and chrysanthemums.

Lively, music by the orchestra and an exceptionally good floor made each item of the dance programme most enjoyable. Duties of M.’sC, were admirably carried out- by Major 1). W. Talbot and Mr C. G. Wilkinson. A special feature of the evening was the excellent homemade supper provided by the ladies’ committee and many friends. The supper tables were beautifully decorated by Mrs Murray with bronze coloured chrysanthemums, dahlias and autumn tints, while stage .decorations were carried out liy Mesdames Cuiforth arid’Rankin.

' At an interval irt the dancing Major Talbot, in a few words extended thanks to the public for their hearty support and to the energetic ladies’ committee, to whose efforts was due much of the success of tiie ball, which was looked upon as being one of the social functions of the season. Members of the. ladies’ committee were:—Mesdames D. W. Talbot, F. Talbot, G. W. Boundv, L, R. Cutfortli, J. 11. Rankin, Tweed ie, G. Smith. Deverell, T.. Ovens, \V. 11. Green and Misses 0. Wallace, G. Goodman and E. Talbot.

RUGBY RESULTS

Senior: Tiknokaos 6; Huias 3. Junior: Dovedale. 27; Huias 3. Third Class; High School 16; Tikao kaos 3.

TIKAOKAOS V. HUIAS

The senior match, Tikaokaos v. Huias, played at the Cricket Ground on Saturday, attracted a fairly large crowd of spectators. It was the first time this season that the teams had met; and the general opinion was that the match would be keenly contested with play above the average. There, was iittle lacking as far as .vigour was concerned, but it could hai'cilv be said that either team, as a whole, gave a good exhibition of football.

Tikaokaos. (white) defended the northern goal and kicked off. For a few minutes give and take- play ensued, Whites,-probably, having the best or the deal. Good work by Stevens and Bensemnnn took the ball to lluia’s (green) twenty-five. The latter put up a stubborn defence but, after a general scramble, R. JBensemnmi accompanied by AY, FfSjfdivecl to the line, the latter touthimlpdown. Benxemann failed with the kick. Tikaokaos 3-0. Greens’ quarters were again invaded and Lunn came to' the rescue. It provcd to be but temporary relief for Whites’ attacked with renewed vigour and Greens’ experienced a few anxious moments, a force down followed and, iricicmntly, a breather. Goodall gaining possession started a passing rush, the ball going to Inglis and thence to Stevens, who endeavoured to get in at Huias’ corner peg. Sexton, however, effected a timely save by sending his opponent into touch. Play eased to Whites’ territory. Johnston smartly intercepting a White pass, made a splendid attempt to break through but- was grassed before reaching his objective. Just on half time McNab gathered in the leather from a line out and skipping down the line went clown for a good try. Jenkins failed to convert. Tikaokaos 6-0.

On resuming, Clark set the ball in motion and Ilickmott returned. Greens pressed and subjected their opponents to a lively time. When close in Park, unsuccessfully attempted to wriggle over; a five yard scrum followed, after which the ball travelled to neutral ground. Clark, getting into a favourable position, tried to open Hum's account with a potted goal. On the return Green’s pressed and, for the time being, looked dangerous. Stevens with a fine.line kick extricated his team from a tight corner. The ball was carried to Huias’ quarters, Bensemann and Hickmott in turn making solo efforts to reach the line. An invasion of Whites’ territory was followed by Clark picking up the hall, dashing through several opponents and scoring a fine try. No goal. Huias 5-6.

At this juncture E. Bensemann retired and was replaced by Flett. Huias now seemed determined to equalise the scores and set up a hot attack on Tikaokao's defence. R. Bensemann was (ho next, to go off, Goodall taking his place. In spite of the loss of two of their best, men, Whites still withstood the gruelling and maintained an unbroken front. A force down somewhat eased the pressure and play drifted further afield. From a serum Brooks passed to Bunn, who kicked and followed through, Jenkins intervening just in time to save a score. Another promising move, started hv Brooks, was nullified by l.nnn being pushed into touch, after receiving the hall from Johnston. When tho whistle sounded time, Huias were still battling hard for a score. Mr IT. B. McGlashen controlled the game. THIRD CLASS JTTCT-I SCHOOL V. TTKAOKAOS High School put iqi 10 points 1o Tiknnknos 5. For trie winners tries were scored by Clark. Street. F. Rowley, and Holyonke, Rowling converting two. I 1 ci- the losers Clark obtained the only score. Mr .1 Gondvci- refereed.